Just saw an article on this. SNF Officials now have a food storage restriction on the following lakes in the BWCA: Alpine, Jasper, Seagull, Red Rock and Rog. Sorry, I am computer challenged so no link.

"ELY, Minn. — Officials in the Superior National Forest are implementing a food storage order to a handful of BWCA lakes to lessen the likelihood of negative encounters between visitors and bears.

While the order doesn't refer to specific incidents, an accompanying release from the Superior National Forest says issuing it is "necessary to reduce human and bear conflicts due to improperly stored food. Implementation of this food storage order will serve to increase protection for wild bears and visitors on particular lakes of the Gunflint District of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness management area."


The order impacts campers and visitors to the following lakes:

Alpine Lake
Jasper Lake
Seagull Lake
Red Rock Lake
Rog Lake

The signed order says visitors on the specified lakes are not allowed to possess or leave any food or garbage unless it is being eaten, prepared or transported, or properly stored.

"Properly stored" means:

Food stored in a bear-resistant container
Suspended at least 12 feet clear of the ground at all points, six feet horizontally from any tree limb or pole and four feet vertically from any limb or pole
A bear-resistant container is a lockable container made of "solid, non-pliable material capable of withstanding 200 foot-pounds of energy. When secured and under stress the container can not have any cracks, openings or hinges that would allow a bear to gain entry by biting or pulling with its claws."

Superior National Forest officials say those violating the order could be subject to 6 months in jail or a $5,000 fine. "

Link to Kare 11 article

Time to order up those bear vaults

Here is a link to the KARE 11 news article.

KARE 11 News Report

Still going to use my ursack.

krole: "Still going to use my ursack."

I was about to say....that pretty much rules out the ursack....and a blue barrel unless you hang it properly.

Just the other day, my wife asked if we shouldn't get a second BV500. For longer trips, or if another couple ever joins us, or to widen our array of items that can fit inside - eg. toothpaste, etc., or an easier way to pack what we already try to jigsaw puzzle inside.

Lo, and behold, along comes this info, and (coincidentally?) many of the usual suppliers are listing discontinued, or out of stock, or backordered.

Anyway, thought I'd pass along that I found one at opticsplanet.com. Although they also mentioned a shipping estimate of 'within 7-18 days' -- which also seems sorta backorder-like -- it started out $5 off, came with free shipping, and offered a 10% coupon code that more than covered the sales tax.

Even The carbon fiber Bearikades are out of stock and they are trying to keep up with demand as they make them.

andym: "Even The carbon fiber Bearikades are out of stock and they are trying to keep up with demand as they make them. "

LOL BearVaults---the toilet paper sequel.

I’ve read a lot of threads on this site over the years about how to store food. Cat litter containers, 5 gallon buckets, etc. Bear Vaults are really handy. Everyone should list them on their letters to Santa this year.